Eastfield College Social Science and Human Services Division Instructor: Jackie Lanier Contact Information: Office: Phone: Email address: Hours Available: Course Description Textbooks and Other Course Materials: Spring 2012 Government 2301.4434 3 Hours Online C201 (972)860-1046 Use messages within the course in blackboard By Appointment GOVT 2301 American Government (3) This is a Texas Common Course Number. Prerequisite: The following must be met: (1) Developmental Reading 0093 or English as a Second Language (ESOL) 0044 or have met the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Reading Standard AND (2) Developmental Writing in 0093, or English as a Second Language (ESOL) 0054 or have met the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Writing Standard. Course Description: This course is an introduction to the study of political science. Topics include the origin and development of constitutional democracy (United States and Texas), federalism and intergovernmental relations, local governmental relations, local government, parties, politics, and political behavior. (To ensure transferability, students should plan to take both Government 2301 and 2302 within the DCCCD.) (3 Lec.) Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 4510025125 - TITLE:American Government etc: Texas Ed (2011-2012 Ed) - AUTHOR:Schmidt - EDITION:2nd - COPYRIGHT YEAR:2012 - PUBLISHER:Cengage Learning - ISBN: 978-0-495-90949-1 Internet: If you have an e-mail account and a valid credit card you may be able to order your materials directly over the Internet at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/dcccd.htm. Toll free telephone: Call MBS Sales at 1-800-325-3252.Developmental Courses Student Learning Outcomes Course Objectives: The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a statewide program designed to ensure that students enrolled in level course work. The TSI requires assessment, remediation (if necessary), and advising of students who attend a public college or university in the state of Texas. The program assesses a student’s basic academic skills in reading, writing, and math. Passing the assessment is a prerequisite for enrollment in many college-level classes such as English 1301/1302, History 1301/1302, Math 1414, etc. Students who do not meet assessment standards may complete prerequisite requirements by taking developmental courses in the deficient area and passing them with a grade of C or higher. In some cases retesting will also be required. It is up to each student to be aware and informed about requirements that are subject to change. Additional information is available from the TSI Office. https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0910/admiss/tsi.cfm?loc=4 1. Upon completion of this course students will understand the importance of their participation in the governmental process. 2. Students will have a working knowledge of the United States and Texas Constitutions and government so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. 3. Students will have the tools necessary to locate information so that they are able to understand public policy issues that are important as American citizens. 4. They will have the understanding necessary to become engaged in the political process, and to vote as educated and informed citizens. 5. Students will have an understanding of how the federal system of government works, and why it is of importance to them. 6. The ability to assess and understand the global world and the relationship the United States plays with other countries will be examined. 7. Students will study how our Supreme Court’s Decisions affect the government and the citizens of the United States, in the past, present and near future. 8. Students will understand the process of presidential elections including the Electoral College and the procedure in the case of a tie election. To comprehend the origins and evolution of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions and the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas, federalism, civil liberties, and civil and human rights. To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world. To recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy. To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems. To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures. To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study. - To develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.Evaluation Procedures: Course Outline: Attendance Policy: Chapter Tests 1 – 11=750 + Midterm =300 + Final =300 + Paper =200 TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 1550 (90%) 1395 - 1550 = A 80%) 1240 – 1394 =B (70%) 1085 -1239 =C (60%) 930 – 1084 =D 929 and below =F Test 1 100 points Test 2 100 Test 3 50 Test 4 50 Test 5 50 Midterm 300 Test 6 50 Test 7 100 Test 8 100 Test 9 50 Test 10 50 Test 11 and Paper 50 + 200 Final